The 2014 AFL National Draft

[dee-luded 2,959]

Bit more on Petracca…do we trust Neeldy as a referee?

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/eastern-ranges-christian-petracca-is-rewarded-for-making-the-tough-decision-to-give-away-basketball/story-fngnvmqa-1226938898654

He sounds very dedicated & Committed.

http://boundforglorynews.com/christian-petracca-the-most-exciting-tac-cup-prospect/

[Whispering_Jack 29,689]

One of the most comprehensive of the phantom drafts is the one produced by Knightmare on bigfooty. He usually comes out early in the season and then reviews his work on a regular basis. There's always food for thought in his work and, as he's posted an update this week, I thought it was a good time to look at what he's thinking at the halfway mark of the season.

He starts with his 2014 draft power rankings:

Potential A-graders

1. Peter Wright (VIC - KPF/Ruck)

2. Angus Brayshaw (VIC – Mid)

3. Isaac Heeney (Syd – Academy - NSW – Mid)

4. Patrick McCartin (VIC - KPF)

5. Tyler Keitel (WA - KPF)

6. Caleb Marchbank (VIC – KPD)

7. Sam Durdin (SA - KPP)

8. Hugh Goddard (VIC - KPF)

9. Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S – VIC – KPF/Ruck)

10. Connon Blakely (WA – Mid)

[b[Potentially high level footballers

11. Alec Waterman (WCE – F/S - WA - Mid)

12. Jake Lever (VIC – Def/KPD)

13. Liam Duggan (VIC – Def/Mid)

14. Christian Petracca (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

15. Jarrod Pickett (WA – Util)

16. Lachlan Weller (QLD – Mid)

17. Peter Bampton (SA – Mid)

18. Brayden Maynard (VIC – Def/Mid)

19. Billy Evans (VIC – Mid/Fwd)

20. Jordan De Goey (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

21. Corey Ellis (VIC – Mid)

22. Jackson Nelson (VIC - Mid)

Potential role players

23. Edward Vickers-Willis (VIC - Mid)

24. Clem Smith (WA - Util)

25. Liam Dawson (Bris – Academy - QLD – Util)

26. Jake Johansen (SA – Mid/Fwd)

27. Billy Stretch (Melb – F/S - SA – Mid/Fwd)

28. Jared Hardisty (WA – Mid)

29. Paul Ahern (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

30. Touk Miller (VIC – Mid/Fwd)

31. Tom Lamb (VIC – Fwd/KPF)

32. Matthew Hammelmann (Bris – Academy - QLD – KPF/KPD)

33. Dean Gore (SA – Mid/Def)

34. Jayden Laverde (VIC – Util)

35. Kyle Langford (VIC –Fwd/Mid)

In with a chance of making the grade

36. Jason Castagna (VIC – Def)

37. Alex Urban (VIC – Mid)

38. Matt Goodyear (VIC – Mid)

39. Sean McLaren (VIC – KPD/Ruck)

40. Nathan Drummond (VIC – Mid/Def)

41. Jaden McGrath (VIC – Mid/Fwd)

42. Jack Hayes (SA – Fwd)

43. Bradley Walsh (WA – Mid)

44. Jarrod Garlett (WA –Mid)

45. Dylan Winton (WA – Mid/Util)

46. Damien Cavka (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

47. Jordan Cunico (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

48. Jesse Watchman (SA - KPF)

49. Jack Cripps (WA – KPF/Ruck)

50. Sam Bevan (WA – KPF)

[Whispering_Jack 29,689]

KNIGHTMARE'S ROUND 1

#1 GWS Peter Wright (VIC - KPF/Ruck) Height: 203cm, Weight: 102kg, DOB: 08/09/1996 Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Style;

Player comparison: Joe Daniher/Charlie Dixon

Range: 1-3

Profile: Wright is a super tall, strong marking key forward who can also play some ruck. He has the ability to take the big contested mark and win his 1v1s but hes also excellent on the lead as one of those near impossible key forwards to defend with that sheer reach and ability to take it at the highest point. He can be in and out of games but for the periods he dominates he really takes over games like few others can. Through the ruck hes reasonably good with his tap work above average but if you take him you take him because hes a rare quality forward with rare height. Hes a reliable set shot goalkicker and also has the ability to convert from outside 50 with his accurate 55-60m kick. The major concern with Wright is his back hes had some bad back issues which have kept him out for a period but if that causes him no issues then he has the ability to be the best player in this draft. He'll need to improve his core strength and build that flexibility to prevent further back issues, the earlier he can do this the better.

#2 St Kilda Patrick McCartin (VIC - KPF Height: 193cm, Weight: 95kg, DOB: 19/04/1996

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Style: Alistair Lynch

Player comparison:

Range: 1-10

Profile: McCartin is an interesting case. Hes an absolute top end talent but has his health issues which complicates the analysis of his playing ability. McCartin has diabetes so hes done exceptionally well to manage that to this point and adjust his diet and practices to allow it not to affect his football. As a result of this McCartin has been especially careful with his diet and his body and has developed a great level of professionalism towards his football. As a footballer McCartin is a strong unit for his age. Hes already shown that he can take over games both through the TAC Cup but also through the u18 champs. McCartin is an effective mark on the lead and has some pace allowing him to create seperation but his real point of difference is his ability to take 1v1 marks. He has incredible strength and can go to the goal square and take advantage of his direct opponent with his superior ability to read the drop of the ball and his superior strength and ability to take a grab. Hes also a very capable pack mark and if he doesnt take it hell bring it to ground. Hes also for a key forward very clean when the ball hits the deck with his pickups and has good ability below the knees which hopefully is a continued area of growth for McCartin. The major weakness in McCartins game at this point is his set shot goalkicking and its definitely a mental thing with him. Ive never seen a key forward who likes a goal less than McCartin. He can shank those set shots more than most and quickly loses confidence in his kick and more often than not elects to go the unselfish option and find team mates in better positions but on the positive his field kicking is good and his vision finding those inside 50 targets is as good as youll see from a player of his type. Hell also often opt to play on or snap instead of drop punt with his shots on goal understanding that his conversion from set shots is below average.

#3 Brisbane Sam Durdin (SA - KPP)

Height: 197cm, Weight: 89kg, DOB: 06/06/1996

Recruited from: West Adelaide

Style:

Player comparison: Jake Carlisle/Lachie Henderson

Range: 1-5

Profile: Durdin is the better of the key defenders available this year. Hes got the versatility to play forward and through the ruck when required but hes to this point played his best footy down back. Hes a good mover for a key position player with his athleticism and mobility at his height. Hes also one of the best users of the footy for a key position player youll find with his footskills particularly excellent. Hes also got a nice balance between ability to take the mark overhead but then the co-ordination below the knees and at ground level to compliment it and make him a real threat. Excellent reader of the play and reads the flight of the ball as well as any.

#4 Melbourne Angus Brayshaw (VIC Mid)

Height: 187cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 09/01/1996

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style:

Player comparison: Oliver Wines

Range: 1-10

Profile: Low flash but high substance midfielder who will produce every week. Brayshaw is the dominant midfield in this draft. Hes a big time accumulator through the midfield and one of the best volume tacklers youll ever find. Brayshaw has absolutely dominated the TAC and has the proven performances on the board to suggest he can take the next step and become one of the elite midfielders in the competition. Hes got clean hands and is a sound user of the footy with both right and left sides and generally makes good decisions with ball in hand and at times shows good vision finding some good targets up the field. Strong mark overhead and can push back behind the ball to take an intercept mark or push forward to take a grab and provide scoreboard impact. Hes not an athlete, hes a footballer and has the build of a midfielder which will allow him to play immediately with his strength over the ball but athletically hes improving and isnt slow or immobile and has good endurance so athletically hes also fine.

#5 Western Bulldogs Hugh Goddard (VIC - KPP)

Height: 196cm, Weight: 93kg, DOB: 24/08/1996

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Style:

Player comparison: Sam Day

Range: 1-10

Profile: Goddard is one of the star key position players this year and has the ability to play both forward and back well. Hes got exceptional pace, agility and an excellent leap as well as a strong build for his age. Has a long kick for his age. And has some ability at ground level, so there is plenty to work with. There is just that little bit of something dominant missing to his game though. As a forward Goddard in the TAC can kick three goals a game every week but its almost always a quiet three goals. He just doesnt feel like hes going to take over games and you dont really notice his impact as more a component to winning rather than a centrepiece and a reason for winning. He lacks that point of difference that the other premier key forwards of the competition have and doesnt have that same feel that hell go off as a goalkicking threat like those other real high end key forwards have which is why I rate him slightly lower than the other top key position players. I wouldnt draft Goddard expecting him to become the no.1 option up forward but as a no.2 option hed be an excellent get and can go on and have an exceptional career.

#6 Carlton Tyler Keitel (WA KPF/KPD)

Height: 194cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 07/02/1996

Recruited from: East Perth

Style: Jarryd Roughead/Taylor Walker

Player comparison:

Range: 5-25

Profile: Keitel is a talented key position player who can play both forward and back well but in my mind is a key forward as he has clear key forward talent. Hes got ability both overhead but moves well for someone of his type with his agility and at ground level making him a real threat up forward. He has unusually clean hands for someone his height and has a natural dexterity with unusually clean hands and a co-ordination you dont see in many key position players with his ground level stuff. But then he can also play like a true big man, take a contested mark, take a mark on the lead or in the air and hit the scoreboard in bunches so hes a complete and natural key forward and has that little bit of arrogance to him which as a forward youre allowed to have when you can play like Keitel can. Call me crazy but while Keitel hasnt played there, I see him a bit like Jarryd Roughead as someone because he has the ability at ground level and a good skillset, hes someone I could see even pinchhitting through the midfield and providing some extra grunt on the ball at times with his skillset suggesting it could be within his capabilities.

#7 Richmond Liam Duggan (VIC Def/Mid)

Height: 183cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 11/12/1996

Recruited from: Western Jets

Style:

Player comparison: Luke McDonald

Range: 3-15

Profile: Duggan is a classy player who can play both off a back flank or through the midfield to a high standard. Hes showing this year that he can win his own ball and is also a very lively tackler through the midfield. He has some real pace but his real point of difference is his footskills. With ball in hand Duggan is all class using it well on his left foot, doing damage with his precision kicking and vision to see the best targets up the field ultimately more often than not making the right decision. He hits targets both over short and long distances so you want the ball in his hands. He also has an above average burst of speed and some linebreaking ability. Duggan has excellent ability down back to read the ball in the air and take the intercept mark. As a December birthday and with his strong continued development there is lots of improvement left.

#8 West Coast Jarrod Pickett (WA Utility/Mid)

Height: 179cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 18/08/1996

Recruited from: South Fremantle

Style: Lewis Jetta

Player comparison:

Range: 3-15

Profile: Jarrod Pickett is a speedy type who can play anywhere and inject some real pace and energy into the game. He really enjoys taking on the game with ball in hand and can some offensive damage with his pace and footskills. I also really enjoy his tendency after a mark whenever the opportunity is there to work out quickly that he has the opportunity to take off then he just goes and generates some instant offense generating a meaningful drive rather forward than just going back behind the mark and moving the ball slowly forward. Hes not only damaging when he gets the ball but for an outside type hes also an above average accumulator which is a real positive and is what suggests to me he has a future in this game when you combine that with his ability to do damage.

#9 Adelaide Corey Ellis (VIC Mid/Def)

Height: 185cm, Weight: 76kg, DOB: 09/10/1996

Recruited from: Western Jets

Style: Alan Didak

Player comparison:

Range: 5-30

Profile: Ellis is a really creative midfielder who catches the eye at times with some of the things he can do. Hes a relatively light bodied midfielder at this point but he can win some of his own ball and is a lively tackler around the ball. Hes got a nice left foot kick and is a nice user of the footy but has at times tried to do a little too much by foot. In traffic Ellis is generally a very good decision maker and can execute his skills quickly under pressure. Hes also shown in the past that he can play in the back half so he gives you some options.

#10 Gold Coast Jake Lever (VIC Def/KPD)

Height: 192cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 05/03/1996

Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Style:

Player comparison: Lachie Plowman

Range: 5-20

Profile: Lever is a really natural rebounding key defender with a real hardness and aggression to him with his approach to the contest. Hes a high level intercept mark reading it so well in the air and getting to the drop of the ball consistently. Hes also very capable of winning his 1v1s holding his position well and taking marks 1v1 down back making him a real weapon down back. Lever is also an exceptional run and carry player and moves incredibly well for his height. He isnt afraid to take on the game and push up the field and be a part of linkup chains as essentially another running defender despite his position. By foot Lever by position is excellent and a real playmaker with his ability to find targets up the field. Hes considered a hard working, high character guy so its highly likely that hell get the best out of himself. He did a knee during the preseason so we wont see him this season.

#11 Geelong Caleb Marchbank (VIC KPD)

Height: 193cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 12/07/1996

Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers

Style: Brian Lake

Player comparison:

Range: 5-25

Profile: Marchbank has played some exceptional shutdown roles this season and looks like the best shutdown key defender in this draft but then also has shown at times that he can be an effective intercept marker down back. Marchbank has a strong build and a natural 1v1 game and a really good feel for when to get the spoil in and when he can outbody his opponent for the 1v1 mark. He knows has a good feel for when to leave his man for the intercept mark. As a stopper Marchbank has the strength to go with bigger guys and athletically is good enough to go with whoever he needs to go with his pace, agility and leap all good. Hes a capable kick from the back half and can find his targets up the field as an efficient user of the footy.

# 12 Gold Coast (Via Compensation Pick from Geelong) Christian Petracca (VIC Fwd/Mid)

Height: 186cm, Weight: 92kg, DOB: 04/01/1996

Recruited from: Eastern Ranges

Style:

Player comparison: Stewart Crameri (less athletic)

Range: 5-30

Profile: Strong unit who is a real physically imposing marking presence up forward. Despite his limited height for his type he plays like a real key position player and just outbodies anyone in the TAC and also outmarks them thanks not only to that extra size on his frame but also his superior marking ability and ability to read the drop of the ball. At this level he hits the scoreboard like few others can with the way he takes over games and is just a manchild. Petracca also has the ability to play not only the deep forward role which he does so well but he can also play up the field both on a forward flank and on the ball so he does give you options. On the ball is where Petraccas improvement has come this year as a guy who can win his own ball inside and be a monster around the stoppages but then also has shown that he has the smarts to find the time and space on the outside and find the uncontested ball which has been pleasing. To start his career I expect Petracca to play mostly forward whether that be deep or higher up the field but with time I expect Petracca to become more a rotational midfielder who splits his minutes between playing forward and on the ball.

#13 North Melbourne Jordan De Goey (VIC Fwd/Mid)

Height: 187cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 15/03/1996

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 5-25

Profile: De Goey is a really damaging player and plays forward and through the midfield well. Hes strong overhead but what really stands out is his class with ball in hand with his ball use excellent as a really creative player who can do some damage with his touches. He hits the scoreboard in bunches so hell also provide some scoreboard impact.

#14 Collingwood Darcy Moore (Coll - F/S VIC KPF/KPD/Ruck)

Height: 199cm, Weight: 93kg, DOB: 25/01/1996

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Style:

Player comparison: Drew Petrie/Nathan Vardy (without the injury issues)

Range: 1st 2nd round.

Profile: Highly touted big man who has struggled these past couple of seasons with back injuries. Moore is a strong contested marking threat with his ability to mark the ball at the highest point even when he is double teamed. He reads the ball well in the air and exceptionally well and is also a very effective mark on the lead with his ability to create separation. Moore is an excellent athlete at his height with his speed and agility both excellent and a strong frame suggesting he can put on more muscle. His skills with ball in hand are above average and hes a very clean user of the footy by hand and foot. He has played a bit of everywhere featuring both as a key forward and key defender. While Moore can play a bit of everywhere he feels most at home as a centre half forward where he can use his strong running game and also be a factor as a contested marking target. Moore isnt a complete product at this point and the dominant player in the TAC Cup but hes something with the traits he possesses with the scope to develop into an excellent key forward and an effective number two option.

#15 Hawthorn - Lachlan Weller (QLD Mid)

Height: 181cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 23/02/1996

Recruited from: Broadbeach

Style: Sam Mitchell

Player comparison:

Range: 5-25

Profile: Small midfielder who can play both inside and outside the contest. Hes nothing like his brother and not nearly the physical beast his brother Maverick but a much better skilled player. Lachie has a damaging 55m kick on him and has excellent vision picking out targets up the field or inside 50 at will. Hes got a nice balanced game with ability both inside and outside the contest. He can win it inside the contest and is an effective stoppage player and has good hands inside the contest and finds targets inside by hand but then on the outside can also accumulate and use the ball really well. He from reports approaches the game professionally and is someone who will put in the work required to achieve success at the next level

#16 Port Adelaide Connon Blakely (WA Mid)

Height: 186cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 03/02/1996

Recruited from: Swan Districts

Style: Dayne Beams

Player comparison:

Range: 5-25

Profile: Blakely is one of the better on-ballers in this draft class and has proven he can play and play well against senior WAFL competition. Blakely is exceptional in close with his ability by hand dishing out to outside runners. Hes an exceptional contested ball winner and a strong tackler. But then also has a sound skillset with his work by hand and foot good. Hes also got the versatility to play forward or back as required. The feel with Blakely is that he puts in the work so dont be surprised if he continues his rapid development.

#17 Sydney Isaac Heeney (Sydney Academy- NSW/ACT - Mid/Def)

Height: 186cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 05/05/1996

Recruited from: Cardiff

Style: David Swallow

Player comparison:

Range: 1st round

Profile: Heeney is one of the best midfielders in this draft and a high volume ball winner. Hes got an excellent balance between inside game and outside game as well as a nice combination of strength and pace. Inside the contest Heeney has demonstrated that he can win his own ball, dish off by hand and create some more time and space for himself and at times burst away from the contest utilising his pace/power combination to effect. Hes an excellent volume tackler. And hes also shown outside the contest that he can work well into space, find the footy and use it well. Also very encouraging is the scoreboard impact he has demonstrated through the midfield. Hes been noted as a hard worker so expect him to get the most out of his ability.

#18 Fremantle - Tom Lamb (VIC - Fwd/Mid)

Height: 192cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 19/10/1996

Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays

Style: Jared Brennan

Player comparison:

Range: 5-20

Profile: Lamb is a tall, athletic half forward/wingman with some real talent to him. For his height hes unusually talented when the ball hits the ground with his pickups incredibly clean. From a second and third effort standpoint hes also impressive. Hes excellent at ground level for his height and very clean with his pickups from the deck at his size and can even be an effective crumber at times at the front of the pack. Hes also a fair marking threat in the air and on the lead with his leap and ability and also has elite pace and elite ability to create separation with his pace real factors in his game. Hes not afraid to play on when the opportunity is there. Hes also someone who can provide some strong scoreboard pressure. With the value clubs are increasingly putting on versatility and ability to play a number of different types of roles Lamb will be in high demand as someone who has no trouble as a deep forward, flanker or up the field. He just needs to improve his consistency by foot to targets and become more one grab with his marks to better round out his game.

#19 Essendon (to be taken at end of first round) Edward Vickers-Willis (VIC Mid)

Height: 190cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 28/03/1996

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style: Jackson Macrae

Player comparison:

Range: 10-50

Profile: Vickers-Willis is a classy tall who has played a little bit everywhere playing back, forward and through the midfield but definitely looks best suited through the midfield and has really broken out through the u18 championships. He has a really natural awareness around the ball of what is around him and that real quickness of mind so few have. He makes decisions quickly and makes the right ones. Hes a good ball user by both hand and foot and is a very good accumulator at his height and has a really nice running game.

#20 GWS (end of first round compensation) - Brayden Maynard (VIC Util)

Height: 186cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 20/09/1996

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style: Ryan OKeefe/Marley Williams

Player comparison:

Range: 5-20

Profile: Maynard really gives you options with his ability to play midfield, forward or back and the variety of different roles he can perform in each region of the field. He has a real hard edge to him that you like to see. As a midfielder he is a hard, strong contested ball winner with a strong tackling game as well as the ability to beat his direct opponent. As a forward he can be a goal scoring factor and can just as easily play down back and beat his direct opponent and win the ball back off the opposition side. Hes a very strong mark overhead and has very sure hands. Hell need to improve his endurance but thats something that can be developed with time in the system.

[Whispering_Jack 29,689]

KNIGHTMARE'S ROUND 2

#21 GWS – Jackson Nelson (VIC – Def/Mid)

Height: 187cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 15/03/1996

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Style:

Player comparison: Tom Langdon

Range: 10-35

Profile: Nelson is rebounding back flanker who can also play through the midfield. He’s got some pace to him, some excellent evasiveness with his extra time and space in traffic, agility, ability to anticipate then sidestep guys and then uses it well by both hand and foot. He’s also an effective intercept mark down back and can also beat his direct opponent. But then also can push up the field and has the smarts to find space on the outside.

#22 St Kilda - Peter Bampton (SA - Mid/Fwd)

Height: 182cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 15/04/1996

Recruited from: Norwood

Style:

Player comparison: Luke Dunstan

Range: 10-35

Profile: Bampton is a strong bodied inside midfielder and has a real hunger for the contest. He’s a big time contest ball winner and clearance winner. Excellent inside extractor getting it out by hand, very good at ground level and has quick hands in close. Bampton also has excellent endurance and is someone who will get to every contest and can provide a goalscoring threat through the midfield. He’s proven himself against senior competition and has continued his strong play against the stronger bodies and has more than held his own which is a strong indication that his play will hold up at the next level. Ready to play season one.

#23 Brisbane - Liam Dawson (Brisbane Academy - QLD – Util)

Height: 188m, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 23/01/1996

Recruited from: Aspley

Style: Sam Gilbert (without the kicking issues)

Player comparison:

Range: 2nd round/3rd round

Profile: Dawson has already proven his value with his play through the u18 champs last year churning out a number of strong performances. Dawson has the ability to play back, forward or through the midfield. He’s a nice user of the ball by hand and foot and has a penetrating 55m kick on him. Strong tackler. As a defender Dawson is an elite interceptor and has a good feel for when to leave his man for the intercept mark also understanding where the drop of the ball will be. As a forward he’s a solid marking target who could off a forward flank be a factor. And through the midfield he’s shown the ability to accumulate the footy. Dawson is a relatively early bloomer and with his game relatively advanced already it’s not beyond him to receive games from season one.

#24 Melbourne - Clem Smith (WA - Util)

Height: 177cm, Weight: 74kg, DOB: 03/02/1996

Recruited from: Perth

Style: Byron Pickett

Player comparison:

Range: 10-30

Profile: Clem Smith is as hard as you’ll find and has electric pace making him a big time weapon and someone with a really unique game. He’s not a big guy and not tall but he has a real presence with the way he hits guys, bumps, tackles and hits the contests harder than anyone else on the field at any time. He can do the undisciplined and sometimes goes over the line but he’s got some real fight to him and you love to see that old fashion footballer, particularly when they have some special footballing talent to go with that. The other real point of difference with Smith is the way he takes on the game. He has excellent pace and can break the lines. He’ll need to iron out his footskills but he’s got some talent and is someone you notice out on the field with the hardness he plays with.

#25 Western Bulldogs – Jayden Laverde (VIC – Util)

Height: 189cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 12/04/1996

Recruited from: Western Jets

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 15-45

Profile: Laverde is a versatile type with excellent athleticism and pace at his height. He enjoys breaking the lines and taking on the game with ball in hand. He’s a strong mark overhead whether that be playing behind the play as an intercept mark or in front of the ball leading up at the footy. He’s a good user of the footy and with ball in hand can create some more time for himself but decision making can let him down at times.

#26 Carlton - Jared Hardisty (WA – Mid)

Height: 179cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 03/07/1996

Recruited from: Claremont

Style: Dion Prestia

Player comparison:

Range: 20-60

Profile: Hardistry is one of the most dominant strong bodied midfielders in this draft. He’s not tall but he’s a stocky, strongly built type with a real hardness at the footy and is one of the relatively more ready to go midfielders in this draft. He’s a natural inside extractor who just burrows in and wins the contested ball and gets it out by hand. He can find some outside ball and runs all day. He’s also got a nice long kick on him. He’s just not overly quick.

#27 Richmond - Billy Evans (VIC –Mid/Fwd)

Height: 189cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 19/10/1996

Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers

Style: Josh Kennedy (Sydney)

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Evans is a tall, strong bodied midfielder and a big improver this season really elevating his game and is this year winning more of the ball more often and providing greater scoreboard impact which is really pleasing. Evans through the midfield is a stoppage specialist and a strong contested ball winner with and strong tackling game. Evans also has the ability to play up forward and can take a mark on the lead and provide some real scoreboard impact.

#28 West Coast – Alec Waterman (WCE – F/S):

Height: 183cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 19/08/1996

Recruited from: Claremont

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 1st round/2nd round

Profile: One of the better performed midfielders and one for West Coast fans to get excited about. Waterman is a big bodied, hard midfielder who can win his own ball inside the contest, has clean hands and distributes well by hand but also find it outside the contest. He’s a high volume accumulator and by foot can use both sides but looks best on his left side and has above average penetration on his kick and some nice vision finding good targets up the field at times. He’s got an effective running game as someone who can run all day but then also be an effective burst runner.

#29 Adelaide - Jordan Cunico (VIC – Util)

Height: 184cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: 07/05/1996

Recruited from: Gippsland Power

Style:

Player comparison: Jackson Allen

Range: 15-45

Profile: Cunico is a versatile outside player with damaging footskills and some real pace and athleticism. He can break the lines with his pace and also has damaging footskills whether that be finding targets up the field form half back or finishing around goal. Cunico is capable linking up, intercept marking behind the play and marking on the lead up forward. He’s just not a super strong body at this point. 1v1 he can struggle at times and he’s not a threat to win his own ball.

#30 Gold Coast - Kyle Langford (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 190, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 01/12/1996

Recruited from: Northern Knights

Style:

Player comparison: Marcus Bontempelli Range: 15-45

Profile: Langford is a very damaging tall forward flanker who is playing some really exciting footy and doesn’t need a whole lot of the footy to do his damage. Langford has a light body but some real pace to him, a willingness to take on the game, a damaging kick and strong overhead marking ability making him a big threat up forward. He’ll just need to put some size on his frame as a light body at this stage.

#31 Geelong – Sean McLaren (VIC – KPD/Ruck)

Height: 197cm, Weight: 92kg, DOB: 10/01/1996

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 20-60

Profile: McLaren in the past has played as a ruckman but has this year made the transition to key defender and is playing very well down back. He’s an effective stopper at his height and size and a stopper first at his height but then also has shown at times shown that he can be an effective rebounder with his ability to read the flight down back and know when to come off his man and take the intercept mark at times impressive. Not a complete product but has scope to develop down back.

#32 North Melbourne - Paul Ahern (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 181cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 01/08/1996

Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Style: Harley Bennell (poor mans version) Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Ahern is a really handy forward/midfielder who has shown some promise these past couple of seasons. What stands out most with Ahern is his pace and linebreaking ability. He really has some get up and go. He’s also a very good user of the footy by foot and makes the right decisions with ball in hand. He’s a strong mark at his size. Works into space very well and just seems to know where those spaces are. He’s a capable crumber. He also has the ability to hit the scoreboard in bunches. He’s not a great contested ball winner and not a high level tackler but has gone onto the ball more and improved that contested side to his game but at the next level most likely plays as more of an outside type who can play forward or push up the ground onto a wing.

#33 Collingwood – Jake Johansen (SA – Mid/Fwd)

Height: 171cm, Weight: 63kg, DOB: 13/06/1996

Recruited from: Port Adelaide Magpies

Style: Brent Harvey

Player comparison: Lewis Taylor

Range: 20-60

Profile: Johansen blew us away with his performances through the u18 championships with some absolutely dominant performances. He’s also impressed playing in the SANFL seniors for the past couple of seasons looking at ease at the level. He’s an elite accumulator for his age as a guy who can win some of his own ball but as a small, light bodied type is best suited to play more outside the contest. Johansen has excellent pace and really stands out with his agility and ability to change direction and run around guys with ease. He’s for the more part a good user of the footy and can also hit the scoreboard. Johansen I don’t like so much as a crumber as he’s a poor tackler and isn’t going to be a threat to take too many marks inside 50 but as a forward flanker who can push up into the midfield I like what he offers and feel he has a future at the next level.

#34 Hawthorn - Sam Bevan (WA – KPF/KPD)

Height: 195cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 12/06/1996

Recruited from: Claremont

Style: Sam Reid

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: A light body at this stage and a project player but has some talent. He’s for his size and type a very skilled key position player who uses it really well by foot. In front of goal he makes the most of his opportunities and rarely misses his set shot attempts. He’s a capable mark on the lead and excellent in the air but with his lack of size he’s not a 1v1 or contested marking threat at this point. Down back he’s a capable intercept mark reading it well and knowing when to peel off his man and can also play a reasonable shutdown role so he does have the scope to play at either end.

#35 Port Adelaide - Dean Gore (SA – Mid/Def)

Height: 183cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB:

Recruited from: Sturt

Style:

Player comparison: George Horlin-Smith

Range: 15-45

Profile: Strong bodied stoppage specialist. Gore is a strong bodied contested ball winner with some real size and strength for his age. He excels in stoppage situations and consistently wins it inside the contest through superior size and smarts. He’s playing senior footy already in the SANFL and looking excellent doing it. Can have an impact from season one.

#36 Sydney – Jason Castagna (VIC – Def)

Height: 182cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 12/06/1996

Recruited from: Northern Knights

Style:

Player comparison: Rhyce Shaw

Range:

Profile: Castagna is a running back flanker with electric pace. He’s a guy where every time he gets it you know he’s going to take on the game and just go. He has an excellent burst of speed and takes on the game every opportunity he can and he really breaks the lines. He’ll keep going as long as you let him and has no fear. He’s got a strong build and can beat his man 1v1. He’s a capable intercept mark. Strong tackler. He’s also a reliable user of the footy by both hand and foot.

#37 Fremantle - Jesse Watchman (SA – KPF/Ruck)Height: 196cm, Weight: 91kg, DOB: 28/01/1996

Recruited from: West Adelaide

Style:

Player comparison: Josh Walker

Range: 15-45

Profile: Watchman is a tall, big bodied key forward who can also play some minutes in the ruck if required. Watchman is a natural key forward who attacks the ball well and can take a contested grab. He’s strong 1v1 and can win the contests when isolated deep in the front half. He reads the flight consistently and gets to the drop of the ball better than most. He’s reliable in front of goal and is a real volume goalkicker who can provide some real scoreboard impact.

[Ted Lasso 19,189]

If we lose chip I'd consider pulling the trigger early on lever, any thoughts?

[Whispering_Jack 29,689]

KNIGHTMARE'S ROUND 3

#38 GWS - Liam Griffiths (GWS Academy - NSW/ACT – Mid)

Height: 184cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 01/12/1996

Recruited from: Ainslie

Style:

Player comparison: Andrew Gaff

Range: 3rd round

Profile:Griffiths is a high production outside midfielder with excellent pace and endurance. He’s a precise user of the footy rarely wasting a touch and using it well on both sides. His strength is in his outside running with his ability to run all day and run and carry with the footy. He’s also been noted for his leadership qualities.

#39 St Kilda – Thomas Wilkinson (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 182cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 07/03/1996

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Wilkinson is a very good outside type who has played good footy these past couple of seasons. He’s an excellent accumulator but also provides strong scoreboard impact. He’s an good user by foot hitting his targets over a variety of distances and has the ability at times to do damage with ball in hand. He’s just not a particularly great contested ball winner and will remain more an outside type.

#40 Brisbane - Matthew Hammelmann (Brisbane Academy - QLD – KPF/KPD)

Height: 198cm, Weight: 88kg, DOB: 08/03/1996

Recruited from: Morningside

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 2nd round/3rd round

Profile: Hammelmann is a strong marking key forward who is particularly effective on the lead but also has some 1v1 marking ability. For his height he’s got excellent ability below his knees with his ability to pick up the ball cleanly. He’s also a really nice user of the footy and is a reliable set shot kick at goal. He’s also played well down back at times and hasn’t looked out of place. He’s not as dominant as some of the high end key position players but there is still something here to work with and once his body fills out he could be a really exciting key forward.

#41 Melbourne - Billy Stretch (Melb – F/S – SA – Mid/Fwd):

Height: 182cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 8/09/1996

Recruited from: Glenelg

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 2nd/3rd round

Profile: Stretch is a light bodied outside type who can play either on a wing or up forward. He played very well through the u18 champs as one of South Australia’s standout performers. What makes Stretch stand out is his pace and ability to take on the game. He just runs with the ball at every opportunity. He has some lightning pace to him and has the ability to turn games when given the time and space. He’s a very good user of the ball by both hand and foot and is quick in executing particularly by hand and makes good decisions with the footy. He’s just not a threat to go on the ball and win the contested footy but that’s not his game. He’s an outside runner and one of the best outside runners in this draft.

#42 Western Bulldogs - Zaine Cordy (WBD – F/S - VIC – Def)

Height: 192cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 27/10/1996

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Style: Tyson Goldsack (backline version)

Player comparison:

Range: 3rd round/rookie

Profile: Cordy is a tall defender with a thin build. Where he excels is as a role playing stopper. He’s doesn’t have the strength at this stage to play as a key position player but he could stop a third tall or any medium size goalkickers. Cordy reads the play well down back. Cordy can beat you both in the air with his leap getting in the spoil as well as at ground level where if he doesn’t pick it up first then he’ll get in the tackle and bring you to ground. Athletically he’s very good with good pace and leaping ability. He’ll just stick to the job but he can at times provide some rebound as a pretty good intercept marker but he’s more likely to remain a role playing shutdown defender.

#43 Carlton - Touk Miller (VIC – Mid/Fwd)

Height: 177cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 22/02/1996

Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Style: Dion Prestia

Player comparison:

Range: 20-60

Profile: Miller is a relatively short but powerful midfielder who provides some real grunt around the contest. He has a real liveliness to him around the ball and you know something is going to happen whenever he’s around it. He’ll win the hard ball, outbody guys, get in and under and extract by hand and reads the ruck taps very well. He also has the ability to burst out of the contest with the explosive pace he has. He’s a strong tackler and his tackles stick. He’s proven at times that he can push forward and hit the scoreboard and provide some tackling energy up forward.

#44 Richmond - Dylan Winton (WA – Mid/Def)

Height: 191cm, Weight: 86kg, DOB: 27/07/1996

Recruited from: Peel Thunder

Style: David Mundy

Player comparison: Jarred Jansen

Range: 15-45

Profile: Winton is a tall, strong bodied midfielder who also has the versatility to play down back and has spent most of this year playing in the back half in the WAFL seniors. He’s got some ability at his size. He’s a strong mark. Uses it well by foot. He’s not an athlete and doesn’t have a great deal of pace but he’s a smart runner who doesn’t require a great deal of pace to be effective.

#45 Essendon – Matt Goodyear (VIC – Mid)

Height: 185cm, Weight: 77kg, DOB: 20/07/1996

Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Goodyear is playing some strong football through the midfield this season. He’s a big time contested ball winner and does all his work inside the contest. He’s also other than the contested side to his game got very explosive pace and can break the lines when he has ball in hand. He just at this stage struggles to find the outside footy as someone who wins almost all his ball in traffic. He’s also struggled by foot throughout the season, whether that’s because all the ball he finds is in traffic is probably a major reason for this but with a kicking efficiency well below 50% he’ll need to clean up his kicking regardless of the percentage of ball he finds in traffic.

#46 West Coast – Jake Maher (VIC – Mid)

Height: 189cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: 10/05/1996

Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers

Style:

Player comparison: Andrew Embley

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Tall, strong bodied midfielder. Despite his height and size Maher at this stage is better suited to play a role outside the contest. Maher is high production, classy outside type with nice footskills. He has the versatility to also play forward or back. He’s a good running player and likes to mostly receive it by hand or as a linkup target in a chain of possessions. He can win some of his own ball and has gone onto the ball in various games but he’s not yet the stoppage specialist you’d think he could become at his size.

#47 Adelaide - Damien Cavka (VIC – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 184cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 03/07/1996

Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Style: Andrew Gaff

Player comparison:

Range: 20-60

Profile: Cavka is a good outside type who links up well and knows how to find space outside the contest. He a good running type and seems to run all day. He’s a strong tackler. Can push forward and take a mark and hit the scoreboard. And uses the footy well. He doesn’t have the ability to go inside and win his own ball but as an outside type he’s an effective component to a team.

#48 Gold Coast – Jack Hayes (SA - Fwd)

Height: 191cm, Weight: 82kg, DOB: 06/03/1996

Recruited from: Woodville-West Torrens

Style:

Player comparison: Sam Mayes

Range: 15-45

Profile: Hayes is a tall marking forward with some real ability. He mostly plays forward flank but can also push up the field. Overhead he’ll take most of his marks on the lead but can also take some marks in the air and in the contest. He’s also a nice user of the footy for his size and can hit those targets inside 50. At Hayes’ height it will be interesting to see if he can learn to rotate into the midfield more.

#49 Geelong - Daniel Capiron (VIC – Def/Mid)

Height: 189cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 14/06/1996

Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays

Style:

Player comparison: Ricky Henderson

Range: 25-55

Profile: Capiron is a tallish defender who has missed time with injury in past seasons but has some real ability. He’s a nice user of the ball by foot at his height and makes the right decisions coming out of the back half. He’s also got some linebreaking ability. He more an outside receiver stylistically and doesn’t win a whole lot of his own ball but is someone who you look for when coming out of the back half. He’s got the ability down back to play well on both talls and smalls with his athleticism allowing that extra bit of matchup flexibility down back giving you some options.

#50 North Melbourne - Dillon Viojo-Rainbow (VIC – Def)

Height: 185cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 08/02/1996

Recruited from: Western Jets

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 40-rookie

Profile: Viojo-Rainbow is a backman who can also at times push up onto a wing. Down back he reads the ball well and is a very good intercept mark. He provides good run and carry down back and has some linebreaking ability as well and is a good user of the footy by foot. He’s a capable stopper down back and can beat his man so there is the potential for him to be an effective role player down back and a component of a successful back half.

#51 Collingwood - Nathan Drummond (VIC – Mid/Def)

Height: 181cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 19/01/1995

Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 40-rookie

Profile: Drummond is a super explosive midfielder/defender with an incredible hunger for the contest. He’s one of the big improvers as an overager and someone who really has some ability. Drummond in the past has shown that he can break the lines off a back flank and beat his man 1v1 but this year he’s showing his ability more as a midfielder with his attack on the ball and tackling a real highlight. He attacks the ball at pace and goes in as hard as anyone and he really utilises his quickness and strength to tackle with ferocity. He’s linking up well around the field and still continuing to break the lines and take the game on. He’s also showing that he’s hitting the scoreboard frequently which is really encouraging. The one weakness for Drummond is his footskills which can let him down but if he can clean that up then he looks like a potentially really good get.

#52 Hawthorn - Harry Dear (HAW – F/S - VIC – KPF)

Height: 197cm, Weight: 98kg, DOB: 18/09/1996

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 2nd or 3rd round

Profile: Dear is an athletic key forward who has shown strong promise in the TAC Cup this year. He’s proven a reliable set shot goalkicker and has been one of the leading goalkickers in the competition. He’s more a stay at home forward at this stage and someone who plays more as a deep marking forward. He’s got above average pace at his height and good leaping ability. His tackling has also impressed for someone at his height. He just needs to show that he can push up the ground more and find more of the footy more often but there is plenty to work with.

#53 Port Adelaide – Bradley Walsh (WA - Mid)

Height: 180cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 3/09/1996

Recruited from: Peel Thunder

Style: Sam Mitchell (without the footskills)

Player comparison: Josh Thomas

Range: 20-60

Profile: Walsh is one of the more impressive smaller midfielders in this draft. He’s a high production midfielder who late last year broke into the seniors for Peel Thunder and is also noted for his leadership qualities and work ethic. He’s probably the best reader of the ruck tap in this draft just getting into the gap where the ruckman hits it down to consistently. He can get the ball off by hand or onto his boot quickly when required. He’s a strong contested ball winner and a strong tackler. He’s also really composed as an inside player. He can find that little bit of extra time consistently making the right decisions under pressure but also including some impressive ball fakes to generate more time for himself in congestion.

#54 Sydney - Jaden McGrath (VIC – Mid/Fwd)

Height: 179cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 15/06/1996

Recruited from: Bendigo Pioneers

Style: Scott Pendlebury

Player comparison: Tim Broomhead

Range: 15-45

Profile: McGrath stands out with his class and composure with ball in hand. He can handball off at the last moment when getting tackled and hit his target. His skills overall are very good with his footskills particularly outstanding. When kicking he lowers his eyes and takes his time to find the best targets and never seems hurried. He just seems to find that extra time in traffic and continually makes the right decisions.

#55 Fremantle - Alex Urban (VIC – Mid)

Height: 179cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 27/07/1996

Recruited from: Oakleigh Chargers

Style: Sam Mitchell

Player comparison:

Range: 20-60

Profile: Urban is one of the really high quality smaller inside midfielders in this draft. He’s a hard, high production contested winning midfielder with excellent strength in the contest and the strength to not go to ground when getting tackled with his core strength and strength through the hips excellent. He’s also for an inside player an excellent user of the footy both by hand and foot.

[Whispering_Jack 29,689]

Personally, I would be gobsmacked if the other clubs allowed us to pick Billy Stretch in the third round.

[Whispering_Jack 29,689]

KNIGHTMARE'S OTHER EARLY DRAFT PROFILES

Joe Maishman (VIC – Mid)

Height: 179cm, Weight: 73kg, DOB: 26/04/1996

Recruited from: Geelong Falcons

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Maishman is a light bodied outside midfielder with some pace to him. He’s an effective outside runner who finds plenty of the ball both receiving by hand and linkup up and taking uncontested marks in a chain. He can take the game on at times with his pace. He’s an effective tackler. Really nice user of the ball by foot and has some real class to him. He’s just doesn’t win much contested footy and as a light bodied type who lacks some strength 1v1 will remain outside.

Jayden Short (VIC – Mid)

Height: 178cm, Weight: 71kg, DOB: 24/01/1996

Recruited from: Northern Knights

Style: Alan Didak

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Short is an small outside midfielder with some real class to him. He’s not going onto the ball and winning his own footy and he’s not a particularly physical player but he can find the footy and he really uses it well. Short rarely handballs but he rarely needs to with his evasive ability just sidestepping everyone and creating more time and space for himself in combination with his excellent footskills and decision making ability. He’s someone you ideally have delivering the ball into the forward 50 to leading targets with his vision and ability to find the right targets and execute the pass to where the guys wants it but then again you could play him anywhere and he’ll make you look better with the work he does by foot.

Darcy Cameron (WA – Ruck)

Height: 203cm, Weight: 98kg, DOB: 18/07/1995

Recruited from: Claremont

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 40-rookie

Profile: Cameron is a young ruckman who was overlooked last year but has responded well and is playing in the WAFL seniors this year. He’s showing that against more experienced bodies that he is a capable tap ruckman. He’s for his age got a strong body. He can push forward and present as a marking target and be an occasional goalkicking threat. He’s also starting to find more of the footy around the ground which is also encouraging. As is the case with all young ruckmen he’ll require a few years to develop but he’s showing the signs that he’s someone worth putting the time into.

Jarrod Garlett (WA –Mid)

Height: cm, Weight: kg, DOB:

Recruited from:

Style:

Player comparison:

Range:

Profile:

Jack Cripps (WA – KPF/Ruck)

Height: 198cm, Weight: 85kg, DOB: 20/01/1996

Recruited from: East Fremantle

Style:

Player comparison: Chris Dawes

Range: 20-60

Profile: Another Cripps, another late bloomer and interesting prospect though this Cripps is a key position player and cousin of Jamie and Patrick. Jack is a good mover at his height and has an excellent endurance. He’s neither dominant as a key forward or as a ruckman at this point but he’s someone you take in the hope that he develops into a stronger body who can improve his marking because around the ground he’s by position finding plenty of the footy and at his height intrigues.

Ben Hancock (WA – Def/Mid)

Height: 187cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 23/04/1996

Recruited from: Peel Thunder

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 25-55

Profile:

Matthew Ah Siu (WA – Mid/Fwd)

Height: 194cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 20/07/1996

Recruited from: South Fremantle

Style: Justin Westhoff

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Ah Siu is an unusual footballer with some real talent. He’s a very athletic player with some real running ability at his height. There is a lot missing from his game. He’s poor below the knees, can struggle to keep his feet in the contest and isn’t a strong body who will win many 1v1 contests so he’s probably not going to be your go to key forward but despite his limitations he still pushes up the field and finds a hell of a lot of the footy, creates separation and space up forward to get easy opportunities at goal and is someone who can run and carry the ball the ball at pace which at his size is unusual and exciting. I’d probably look to develop Ah Siu into a tall running wingman with his excellent running game and easy ability to accumulate but he will require as someone who started playing AFL a bit later and will require time to develop his light frame.

Joshua Deluca (WA – Fwd/Mid)

Height: 179cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: 11/05/1996

Recruited from: Subiaco

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 25-55

Profile:

Jack Donkersley (SA – Util)

Height: 187cm, Weight: 81kg, DOB: 11/03/1996

Recruited from: Glenelg

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Donkersley is versatile player who has played a bit of everywhere over the years so he gives you options. He can play as a rebounding defender and be someone who gives you some meaningful run from the back half but he feels more damaging as a rotational midfielder/forward with his ability to provide scoreboard impact and take a mark when pushing forward.

Tyler Cornish (GC - QLD – Mid)

Height: cm, Weight: kg, DOB:

Recruited from: Southport

Style: Andrew Swallow

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Cornish was overlooked in last year’s draft but has returned a better and more determined player. Cornish is a dominant onballer who wins the contested footy and tackles well around the contest. He’s very much an inside type but he’s making progress developing more of an outside game and a greater ability to find the ball outside the contest.

Garrett McDonagh (VIC – Def)

Height: 183cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 19/06/1996

Recruited from: Northern Knights

Style: Matt Suckling

Player comparison: Matthew Jaensch

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Booming 60m kick who can really open up games with his precision, damaging long kick. He lacks some strength 1v1 and isn’t great at winning his own ball but put the ball in his hands and he has the ability by foot to do some real damage and set up the play across half back.

Daniel Nielson (VIC – KPD)

Height: 193cm, Weight: 90kg, DOB: 09/05/1996

Recruited from: Eastern Ranges

Style: Nathan Bock

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Strong bodied key defender who has played well in the TAC Cup for the past couple of years now. He reads the play well down back and can take the intercept mark but is an equally adept stopper with his strength 1v1 excellent for his age. He also uses it pretty well by foot and is an effective rebounder from defence.

Mark Kovacevic (VIC – Ruck/KPF)

Height: 204cm, Weight: 111kg, DOB: 23/01/1996

Recruited from: Calder Cannons

Style: Shane Mumford

Player comparison: Jarrod Witts

Range: 40-rookie

Profile: Kovacevic is the man mountain in this draft class. He’s a tall and unbelievably big bodied ruckman who at u18 level you just can’t compete with. He plays a really physical style of game at his height as you would hope really attacking every contest and throwing his weight around. He’s an effective tap ruckman and follows up his ruck work well. He’s got a strong tackling game and his tackles really stick and do damage. He’s a relatively good user of the footy for a ruckman while he’s not an elite accumulator by position he still does find some of the footy which is pleasing. The improvement I’ve enjoyed in Kovacevic’s game this year is his work when he rotates into the front half. He’s presenting as more of a contested marking and goalkicking threat this year and he’s making the most of his opportunities which is pleasing. Despite his size he moves reasonably well but he’ll need to improve his endurance.

Mac Bower (SA – Fwd/Def)

Height: 190cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 27/01/1996

Recruited from: Norwood

Style: Sam Mayes/Beau Waters

Player comparison:

Range: 10-35

Profile: Bower is a tallish type with some aggression to him and the ability to play both forward and back to a high standard. As a forward Bower is excellent on the lead and a real goalscoring threat who on the lead with his pace can create separation and also use his leap to take a mark in the air. He’s also excellent down back as someone who can take intercept marks and set up play with his damaging footskills while also being able to beat his direct opponent.

Ryan Lim (WA – Util)

Height: 186cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 20/03/1996

Recruited from: Claremont

Style: Sharrod Wellingham (less skilled)

Player comparison: Anthony Morabito (without the injuries)

Range: 20-60

Profile: Lim is a hard running utility with some real pace to him and strong overhead marking ability. He’ll need to improve his footskills and needs cleaner hands as he can also at times be fumbly but if he does then he has a real opportunity to develop into a very handy rotation forward/midfielder or perhaps back flanker where he’s shown excellent run and carry in the past.

Mason Cox (USA – Ruck)

Height: 211cm, Weight: 106kg, DOB:

Recruited from: USA

Style: Dean Cox

Player comparison:

Range: Category 2 Rookie

Profile: Rare height, rare athlete, rare co-ordination. Cox has testing off the charts for a guy his height with his pace, agility, endurance and leaping ability all exceptional for someone at his height. Looking at his highlight tapes you can see how well he reads the ball in the air and his ability to leap and take the mark at the highest point which will be a weapon down the track when he starts doing it routinely. Also incredibly impressive is how clean he is picking up the ball from the ground, he picks it up cleanly and better than probably any ruckman in the competition off the deck. With his leap at his height he’ll also be able to get the ruck tap over anyone. Skills by hand and foot are a work in progress but they’ll eventually improve. He’s also not all that strongly build which is hardly surprising given his athletic traits and as a result of this body on body will lose lots of contests and lose many of the ruck taps if his guy can put a body on him. Lots to like!

Jermaine Miller-Lewis (WA – Fwd)

Height: 187cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: 23/02/1996

Recruited from: South Fremantle

Style:

Player comparison: Tim Sumner

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Low production but high impact player who doesn’t need much of the footy to turn a game. Miller-Lewis plays with a real physical presence and aggression and just goes at the ball or the man at full speed every time. He’s got a nicely balanced game with the ability to take a strong mark overhead in the air with his leaping ability but also nice ability at ground level make him someone potentially very hard to stop. He’s got a nice long kick and really electric pace. He’s also got the ability on his day to hit the scoreboard in bunches and has real composure with ball in hand. So he’s definitely got the tools. The main questions with Miller-Lewis are whether he can string strong performances together consistently from week to week and whether he can find more of the ball because at the moment he’s more a highlight show who can at times take over games rather than a consistent footballer who will rack it up and contribute every week which is what he needs to aspire for. With some luck this comes with further coaching, improved endurance and more time further up the ground but Miller-Lewis definitely has the talent.

Nakia Cockatoo (NT – Util)

Height: 188cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 23/10/1996

Recruited from: NT Thunder

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Nakia is a super talented versatile player who does big damage with ball in hand. With ball in hand he has some real composure and uses it well with his footskills excellent. He can play forward, back or through the midfield and looks at ease wherever you place him. He’s got some real pace, agility and ball handling skills to him and the thing he does better than others in this draft is stepping through traffic and easily getting by the opposition players. He’s also a strong mark at his size which is pleasing. From reports he’s a hard working and very coachable player and has some real talent so there is a real opportunity for Nakia to succeed in a big way and coming from a good footballing family the signs are positive. You’d just love to see him get his hands on the ball more because he’s someone who can really do some positive things with it.

Warrick Wilson (WA – Util)

Height: 187cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 29/01/1996

Recruited from: Swan Districts

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Wilson is a really skilful, versatile left footer who uses the footy well. Wilson has shown that he has the positional range to play forward, back and through the midfield. He a really nice mover with ball in hand and has that bit of class to him with ball in hand where he makes the right decisions instinctively and can execute. He’s a strong mark overhead and has a really nice leap making him a real threat in the air. From what I am led to believe English is Wilson’s second language and he comes from a remote area in WA so there will be challenges for Wilson in his transition to the AFL but the reports are that he is of strong character and puts in the work so he’s someone who has the opportunity to overcome his challenges.

Bodhi Walker (VIC – Def)

Height: 182cm, Weight: 83kg, DOB: 08/02/1996

Recruited from: Gippsland Power

Style:

Player comparison: Peter Yagmoor

Range: 30-rookie

Profile: Walker is a damaging backman with excellent athleticism and footskills. He can do some real damage with his linebreaking ability. He’s also got a really nice left foot that can set up play. Walker to this point has looked like a reasonable component within a team but hasn’t taken over games as his talent perhaps suggests he probably could.

Duom Dawam (VIC - Ruck):

Height: 200cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 01/01/1996

Recruited from: Western Jets

Style:

Player comparison: Majak Daw (lighter bodied)

Range: Rookie

Profile: Duom Dawam is a very raw but incredibly athletic tap ruckman who has demonstrated an ability to be an effective tap ruckman with his incredible leap and reach. In the ruck contest despite his athleticism because he is so light against stronger bodied ruckmen he is often pushed out of the contest and can bounce off the other stronger ruckman countering his athleticism in the ruck contest. Other than his obvious tapping ability as a ruckman everything else at this point is a work in progress. He struggles to find it around the ground. He’s not a ruckman who can go forward and clunk a mark. But all that said with his unique athletic profile he is someone who will intrigue clubs as a rookie possibility.

Nicholas Coughlan (GWS - NSW – KPF/KPD)

Height: 196cm, Weight: 84kg, DOB: 12/09/1996

Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers

Style:

Player comparison:

Range: 3rd round - rookie

Profile: Coughlan is an athletic key position player with some real talent. He moves exceptionally well for someone his height with excellent pace and agility for someone his size. He not the big bodied physical marking monster and plays more as a leading key forward who also has some really encouraging ability at ground level.

[ChaserJ 4,977]

If we lose chip I'd consider pulling the trigger early on lever, any thoughts?

Depends on how much he's grown from last years listed height of 188cm. If he is now legitimate kp height, then yes if Durdin's off the board by the time we pick.

Lever's an excellent competitor and distributor.

[adsy 137]

Personally, I would be gobsmacked if the other clubs allowed us to pick Billy Stretch in the third round.

Not sure about gobsmacked. I'd say he's rated somewhere between 20-35. He is still very slight and predominantly outside. Our 2nd round pick will be in the 22-25 range so someone would have to bid a pick in the low 20's, which at this stage might be a bit of a stretch. I'd say our 3rd round pick is the most likely scenario.

[rpfc 28,220]

Not sure about gobsmacked. I'd say he's rated somewhere between 20-35. He is still very slight and predominantly outside. Our 2nd round pick will be in the 22-25 range so someone would have to bid a pick in the low 20's, which at this stage might be a bit of a stretch. I'd say our 3rd round pick is the most likely scenario.

It's not about where teams 'think' he should go - it's about where teams think the Demons will match their bid.

If they think we will pull the trigger at 24, then a team will make us pay that.

These are not automatons making these decisions - and nor are they working in the best interests of anyone other than their own - if a club thinks we will take him with 24 - they will make us take him with 24.

[Machsy 2,858]

At the same time, that team has to be happy to live with getting Stretch for pick 20-ish if we call their bluff.

Chances are that they'll be ok with that though.

[Machsy 2,858]

Knightmare's mock drafts are detailed, but I think the accuracy of that detail is highly questionable.

Yeah, he gets some of them right, but a lot of them wrong too.

Yes, I know, "you do better." I can't.

But I've gotta laugh when I see some of his player comparisons, such as Peter Wright compared to "Joe Daniher / Charlie Dixon".

It's like saying cauliflower is comparable to "chalk / cheese."

[Slartibartfast 17,095]

It's not about where teams 'think' he should go - it's about where teams think the Demons will match their bid.

If they think we will pull the trigger at 24, then a team will make us pay that.

These are not automatons making these decisions - and nor are they working in the best interests of anyone other than their own - if a club thinks we will take him with 24 - they will make us take him with 24.

Couldn't agree less. It may have happened for someone like Viney had a deal not been done but it wouldn't happen for someone like Stretch. Why would another team risk taking a player they don't want at that pick just so they might force us to take him with an earlier pick?

They wouldn't because there is too much risk for them. I doubt other teams would be worried if we picked up Stretch for a "bargain".

As for the pick this year I'd be dead against taking a "running HB" or a flanker type. We fell into that trap with Blease, Strauss and Tapscott. Good flanker types at TAC cup level often seem to struggle at AFL level. I want a genuine midfielder or a genuine KP player with our first pick. Leave the flank positions for later picks. It's a pity we didn't keep Bennell, he seems to be developing nicely at WCE and was always the type of player who would take time.

[rjay 24,809]

As for the pick this year I'd be dead against taking a "running HB" or a flanker type. We fell into that trap with Blease, Strauss and Tapscott. Good flanker types at TAC cup level often seem to struggle at AFL level. I want a genuine midfielder or a genuine KP player with our first pick. Leave the flank positions for later picks. It's a pity we didn't keep Bennell, he seems to be developing nicely at WCE and was always the type of player who would take time.

I would be pretty sure that's what we will do, it will depend on where that pick is and what Frawley does but it will be a genuine mid or KPP.

[rpfc 28,220]

Couldn't agree less. It may have happened for someone like Viney had a deal not been done but it wouldn't happen for someone like Stretch. Why would another team risk taking a player they don't want at that pick just so they might force us to take him with an earlier pick?

They wouldn't because there is too much risk for them. I doubt other teams would be worried if we picked up Stretch for a "bargain".

As for the pick this year I'd be dead against taking a "running HB" or a flanker type. We fell into that trap with Blease, Strauss and Tapscott. Good flanker types at TAC cup level often seem to struggle at AFL level. I want a genuine midfielder or a genuine KP player with our first pick. Leave the flank positions for later picks. It's a pity we didn't keep Bennell, he seems to be developing nicely at WCE and was always the type of player who would take time.

I don't follow the youth football. I can just say that clubs think about these things and they will make sure that there are no 'freebies' given. Clubs will make us pay what we are willing to pay.

[Damo 3,326]

I wonder if we could deal with North for a player and their #13 pick so they could get Brayshaw?

[Machsy 2,858]

I wonder if we could deal with North for a player and their #13 pick so they could get Brayshaw?

I think that might be a wish for their president, but not the club as a whole.

Heck, the kid supports Freo anyway.

[Machsy 2,858]

I don't follow the youth football. I can just say that clubs think about these things and they will make sure that there are no 'freebies' given. Clubs will make us pay what we are willing to pay.

Yes, they will, conditional upon the calculable risk being acceptable.

It is no fait accompli that we will select Stretch if we have to pay too high a price.

[Jarka 767]

One of the most comprehensive of the phantom drafts is the one produced by Knightmare on bigfooty. He usually comes out early in the season and then reviews his work on a regular basis. There's always food for thought in his work and, as he's posted an update this week, I thought it was a good time to look at what he's thinking at the halfway mark of the season.

He starts with his 2014 draft power rankings:

Knightmare always does a very detailed mock draft, also watch out for Quigley and Snoop Dog. Chris25 is very good with is SA boys. They're probably the best four in terms of knowledge of the game.

Machsy is right, these guys do this as a hobby, although they do invest a lot of time they're not always right with their predictions. But let's face it, even the professionals get it wrong as well. What they do well is to give you an idea of the type of players they are, and to an armchair amateur like mw who doesn't have time to go and watch these kids, I'm very grateful for their contribution.

[Demon Disciple 11,998]

I wonder if we could deal with North for a player and their #13 pick so they could get Brayshaw?

The hell we should. Would love to get Brayshaw into our club. Unless they offered something ridiculous like 13 + Goldstein.

Edited June 12, 2014 by Demon Disciple

[mdemonski2 403]

To hell we should. Would love to get Brayshaw into our club. Unless they offered something ridiculous like 13 + Goldstein.

What about 13 and zeibell. North have a lot of good inside midfielders and may be prepared to trade one.

Mind you I might just be dreaming as I like their inside ball winners.

[TRIGON 4,783]

It's not about where teams 'think' he should go - it's about where teams think the Demons will match their bid.

If they think we will pull the trigger at 24, then a team will make us pay that.

These are not automatons making these decisions - and nor are they working in the best interests of anyone other than their own - if a club thinks we will take him with 24 - they will make us take him with 24.

Dangerous game of bluff unless the other club really really really wanted him.

Mind you, we once had a recruiter who called Jamie Bennell ahead of Rory Sloane and was delighted to have 'trumped' West Coast...we all know how that turned out!

[The Chazz 4,077]

RPFC - maybe we could do the old "special deal", hey?

You know what I mean, don't you? Of course you do. Cheeky rascal, you.

[ChaserJ 4,977]

I wonder if we could deal with North for a player and their #13 pick so they could get Brayshaw?

Wouldn’t have thought another inside mid would be a priority for the Roos.